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The Most Popular Boating on New York's Waterways

New York is a city surrounded by various bodies of water making it a perfect city to spend a day on the water. Made up by five boroughs: The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Staten Island, this lively city sits right where the Hudson River meets the Atlantic Ocean making boating an epic and visually stunning experience. Float your way into a New York state of mind when you step off the dock and onto the water for a day of sun and adventure as you cruise around the Big Apple.

Freeport

The inlets and islands of Freeport are perfect for a day of fishing and boating while you take in the beautiful coastline. Freeport is situated in Nassau County on the South Shore of Long Island. Zach’s Bay is southeast of Freeport off the Jones Beach Theatre and is a great place to anchor for families and enjoy a concert playing at the theatre or enjoy a day on the beach without the overcrowded feeling.

The Hudson River

The Hudson River offers beautiful scenery along the 300 miles that it stretches. Boaters can escape to the north toward Peekskill where the river offers copious amounts of wildlife. There is abundant largemouth and smallmouth bass around the tributary mouths and in-river structures during the summer and fall. In the spring striped bass can be caught below the Troy Dam to New York City. There are small towns along the river that you can visit and learn the history or simply stretch your legs and enjoy dinner along the water’s edge. Check out one of the only Dock & Dine spots in New York city at La Marina in Washington Heights for a really fun experience!

Finger Lakes

This is a region of New York State, known for its lush vineyards and named for its series of eleven long, thin lakes extended like fingers. This is one of New York State’s most popular regions for recreational boating with numerous private boat launches to enjoy a scenic route. Take a day trip and explore the Finger Lakes Central Region (the centrally located area found between the two largest lakes; Seneca Lake to the West and Cayuga Lake to the East). These lakes were formed by glaciers and contain over 6.6 trillion gallons of fresh water making it an ideal destination to enjoy a day on the water.

Thousand Islands

If you love fishing, this is the place for you as it has ample fish and fishing holes. With more than 100 boat launches available in the region, this is an easy accessible waterway with much to offer. With its crystal clear waters, historic castles and lighthouses, it is arguably one of the best places for pleasure boating in New York.

New York Harbor

Boating by the Manhattan skyline is an experience everyone should have at least once in their lives. There are many attractions such as Governors Island which is a 172-acre island containing Fort Jay, Castle Williams, and Dock 102. Don’t forget to stop by Liberty Island, home to the Statue of Liberty as well as Ellis Island which is a historical site that opened in 1892 as an immigration station for more than 60 years.

Lake George

Once called “the most beautiful water I ever saw” by Thomas Jefferson, this statement still holds true today. It was a historical fur-trading route that held an important role in the American Revolution with traces of the past laying at the bottom of the lake in the form of shipwrecks. Although a lake that once held a violent past, today, the coastal shores are full of beautiful wilderness, marinas, restaurants and the Adironack Mountains which add to the astounding atmosphere.

Cold Spring Harbor

This is the perfect place to drop an anchor, enjoy a picnic on the boat and go swimming, or head out for a day of water skiing and wake-boarding. This is truly some of Long Islands best boating, with a coastline full of beaches, parks and historic mansions, there’s something for everyone. For larger vessels that wish to anchor for the day, Eaton’s Neck Basin is the perfect place and is only a few miles east near Huntington Bay. Whether you’re going for an all-day boating adventure to take in the picturesque scenery along the coast, throwing down an anchor to take a dip in the water or stopping along the water’s edge to indulge in a scenic meal, New York offers a vast array of options for any type of excursion. The waterways of New York will never disappoint an enthusiastic boater as there is truly something for everyone. Sail through these waters in New York and make memories you will never forget.

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LET'S WORK TOGETHER

Go boldly, tell your story. Campfire is building a collective of ambassadors who share a passion for the wild. If you’re an influencer, publisher or sport expert drop us a line. Let’s hook up and inspire others.